With colder weather settling in across New York City, it’s time to start thinking about how the change in temperature affects your plumbing. At Boris Mechanical, we’ve seen firsthand how frozen pipes, worn water heaters, and hidden leaks turn into costly emergencies when ignored.
Here are five smart cold-weather plumbing tips every NYC homeowner should know:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In older NYC buildings, pipes may run along basement ceilings, near outer walls, or in unheated crawlspaces. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect them from freezing—especially if they’re near drafty areas.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before the first frost, disconnect all garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves. Leaving hoses attached can cause ice to back up into your plumbing and burst pipes.
3. Schedule a Water Heater Check
Fall is the perfect time to inspect or flush your water heater. Sediment buildup can lower efficiency and shorten its lifespan—just when you need hot water the most.
4. Seal Gaps Around Pipes
Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal any visible gaps around plumbing pipes that enter from the outside. This keeps cold air out and reduces your heating costs, too.
5. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
In case of a burst pipe, being able to quickly turn off your main water supply can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. If you’re unsure where it is, give us a call—we’ll show you.
Stay one step ahead of winter plumbing issues.
Call Boris Mechanical today for a fall plumbing inspection and peace of mind before the cold hits.
